Plural Inputs, Single Output Patents (Class 74/89.29)
  • Patent number: 11591192
    Abstract: According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a piston mounted on and fixedly fastened to a ball screw nut, the nut threaded onto a ball screw. By mechanically rotating the piston and preventing the ball screw from rotating, the balls screw nut rotates, thereby raising or lowering the ball screw, thereby raising or lowering the piston, thereby raising or lowering a casing, for example a bollard, mounted on the piston. The casing may be raised or lowered by attaching a handle to the piston and rotating the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventors: Uri Eshel, David Hever
  • Patent number: 11320031
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of operating a linear differential (100, 600) are described herein. The linear differential (100, 600) contains a slide portion (102) with parallel right-hand and left-hand threaded rods (112, 114). Threaded onto the right-hand and left-hand threaded rods (112, 114) and attached to the slide portion (102) are right-hand and left-hand gears (116, 118). Meshed between the right-hand and left-hand gears (116, 118) and also attached to the slide portion (102) is a driven gear (200). An end effector (104) is attached to the driven gear (200) and is configured to translate along a translation axis (110) and rotate around a rotation axis (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony Crawford
  • Patent number: 10900270
    Abstract: A tubular housing, a motor part that is provided in the housing, and an end damper and a damper member, one of each is provided on opposing ends of the motor part in an axial direction of the motor part and absorbs vibration, wherein the motor part is supported in a floating state by the housing via the end damper and the damper member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Takizawa, Takayuki Ikeda, Yoshitaka Sekine, Masazumi Ishikawa, Hiroshi Matsuzaki, Arata Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 10228035
    Abstract: A clutch actuator assembly includes a drive member, a threaded rod including a first end operatively connected to the drive member, a second end, and an intermediate portion including a plurality of threads extending therebetween. A member is threadably engaged with the plurality of threads of the threaded rod, a clutch actuator member is arranged at the second end of the threaded rod, and a velocity brake is operatively coupled to the threaded rod. The velocity brake decelerates rotation of the threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: KONGSBERG AUTOMOTIVE AS
    Inventors: Lars Jimmy Engman, Geir Brudeli, Eivind Lund Vikebø
  • Publication number: 20150143934
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes a housing (100), a base plate (200) disposed in the housing (100), and two actuating mechanisms (310, 320) disposed on the base plate (200) and received in the housing (100). Each actuating mechanism (310/320) comprises a motor (311/321), a transmission assembly (312/322), a screw rod (313/323), and a supporting block (314/324). Two motors (311, 321) and two transmission assemblies (312, 322) are disposed on the base plate (200). Two motors (311, 321) are kinetically connected to two assemblies (312, 322), respectively. One end of the screw rod (313/323) is connected to and rotated by the transmission assemblies (312/322). The other end of the screw rod (313/323) is screwed to the supporting block (314/324). Thus, two supporting blocks (314, 324) are driven to move in the housing (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: TIMOTION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chou-Hsin WU
  • Patent number: 9016151
    Abstract: A linear actuator for an aircraft comprising a casing comprising a first casing section and a second casing section, wherein the first casing section and the second casing section are extendible and retractable with respect to each other, and a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism disposed in the casing, wherein the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism are operable independently of each other to drive at least one transmission element connected to an interior of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Triumph Actuation Systems—UK, Ltd.
    Inventor: Terence Ross Golding
  • Publication number: 20140345401
    Abstract: The invention relates to the fast movement of printing press components with integrated fine adjustment, in particular in flexographic printing presses, characterised in that the distances in particular between the printing press components impression roller (43), printing roller (44), and anilox roller (45) are determined by means of spindles (10) that have at least two aligned threaded sections of slightly different pitch comprising a pitch part A (11) and a pitch part B (12) in which at least one nut A (20) and nut B (21) having a corresponding pitch engage, wherein at least one of the nuts (20, 21) is integrated into the base parts comprising basic frame (40), carriage (41) or bearing block (42) and fixed either on the spindle (10) or in the bearing seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Herbert Bauch
  • Publication number: 20140157920
    Abstract: An assembly device includes a bottom base, two baffles, two screws, and two magnetic members. The bottom base includes a receiving portion configured to receive a camera module. The receiving portion includes two adjacent fixed members and two adjacent moveable members. The baffle is secured to a sidewall of the bottom base. The screw passes through one baffle and can push one moveable member. The magnetic member is arranged on one moveable member. When the screw is rotated toward a first direction, the one screw pushes the corresponding moveable member to move toward the opposite fixed member, when the one screw is rotated toward a second direction, the attraction between the one screw and the first magnetic member draws the corresponding moveable member away from the opposite fixed member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHANG-WEI KUO
  • Publication number: 20140150579
    Abstract: An axial adjustment device includes: a main body; two slide seats disposed in the main body; a first and a second threaded rods disposed in the main body and respectively screwed in the two slide seats; a first transmission gear connected with the first threaded rod; a second transmission gear connected with the second threaded rod; and a fastening member. When the fastening member is switched to a fastening position, the two threaded rods are driven with each other via the two transmission gears. When the fastening member is switched to a releasing position, the two threaded rods can be only independently rotated. The axial adjustment device can control the two slide seats to independently or synchronously move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: GISON MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kuang-Tai LI
  • Patent number: 8621958
    Abstract: A drive device serves for adjusting an operating element for a valve, a throttle, a blow-out preventor or the like, in particular in the field of gas and oil production, the operating element being actively connected to at least one driving motor via a drive train, and at least one transmission changing unit being arranged in the drive train for converting a revolution of the driving motor into a revolution of the operating element and/or a revolution/linear motion converter being arranged for converting the revolution of the driving motor into a linear motion of the operating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus Biester
  • Publication number: 20140000394
    Abstract: The invention relates to a driving device which is composed of a rotary drive assembly and a spindle drive assembly which are both removed from a modular system which comprises at least two rotary drive assemblies and at least two spindle drive assemblies which are formed with coupling elements which are compatible with one another. The invention also relates to a driving device, of which the rotary drive is received in a housing tube which is closed at its end remote from the spindle drive by a base piece, wherein the base piece and the housing tube are manufactured from plastics material and are connected to one another by cohesive bonding. Finally, the invention also relates to a modular system from which the rotary drive assembly and a spindle drive assembly are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Lars Anheier, Ulrich Probst, Thomas Muller, Meik Broder
  • Patent number: 8322242
    Abstract: A linear actuation system has two linear actuator channels acting in tandem and a gear housing connecting the two actuator channels and providing an output for the actuation system. The gear housing has multiples gears with at least one gear connected to each actuator and is movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy D. Gronli
  • Patent number: 8322241
    Abstract: An actuator for a wheel guiding element of motor vehicle wheel suspensions, with a first, preferably electrically driven actuating drive which selectively changes the length of the wheel guiding element, in the actuator there being a compensation spring which counteracts the compressive forces acting on the wheel guiding element. According to the invention, the pretensioning force of the compensation spring can be changed by means of a second, preferably electrically driven actuating drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Christoph Kossira, Karl-Heinz Meitinger, Wilfried Michel
  • Patent number: 8266976
    Abstract: Direct drive electromechanical rotary-to-linear actuators include one or more electric motors mounted in a housing. Each motor includes a stator and a rotor. The motor drives a planetary drive mechanism that includes an elongated central shaft having one or more helical threads on an external surface coupled to the rotor for conjoint rotation. A planetary nut having helical threads on an internal surface is disposed concentric to the shaft, and a plurality of planetary rollers are disposed concentrically between the shaft and the planetary nut. Each of the rollers has a helical thread on an external surface that is complementary to and in engagement with a thread of the shaft and a thread of the nut. Rotation of the rotor is converted with mechanical advantage into linear movement of the planetary nut. The actuators provide backlash-free operation, higher stiffnesses, slew rates and frequency responses, and better overall efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: William M. Waide
  • Patent number: 8230750
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuating assembly can have a redundant design with a first electric motor providing actuator-moving power via a first drive train and a second electric motor providing actuator-moving power via a second drive train. A first decoupling train can transmit decoupling power to decouple the first drive train from the actuator and a second decoupling train for transmit decoupling power to decouple the second drive train from the actuator. The assembly is operable in a fault-tolerant mode wherein actuator-moving power is transferred only through one drive train and the other drive train is decoupled from the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Flatt, David J. Gurrola, Bruce W. Behar, Dan T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8201467
    Abstract: Electromechanical actuators (EMAs) include an output disposed at a location that is axially central between two EM devices. The EMAs include either one or two motors and an output mechanism. The motors are adapted to be energized and are operable, upon being energized, to either generate torques about a first axis or drive forces along a first axis. The output mechanism is responsive to the torques or forces to translate along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Johnson, Casey Hanlon, Kellan Geck
  • Publication number: 20110162468
    Abstract: A coarse/fine adjustment linear displacement mechanism is disclosed to include a fixed holder frame, a movable holder frame movably supported on the fixed holder frame, a coarse adjustment screw rod threaded into a first screw hole on the fixed holder frame for rotation by the user to move the movable holder frame relative to the fixed holder frame rapidly and a fine adjustment threaded sleeve rotatably sleeved onto a smooth segment of the coarse adjustment screw rod and threaded into a second screw hole on the movable holder frame for rotation by the user to move the movable holder frame relative to the fixed holder frame at a fine scale. The coarse adjustment screw rod and the fine adjustment threaded sleeve are provided with different thread pitches for coarse adjustment and fine adjustment respectively, achieving rapid and accurate adjustments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Yu-Jen Lin
  • Publication number: 20110072920
    Abstract: A linear actuation system has two linear actuator channels acting in tandem and a gear housing connecting the two actuator channels and providing an output for the actuation system. The gear housing has multiples gears with at least one gear connected to each actuator and is movable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy D. Gronli
  • Publication number: 20100307268
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spindle drive having a first load path which is formed by the spindle and having a second load path which is formed by a torsion bar which is exposed to torsion, which is arranged in the spindle and is connected to it such that a rotary movement is exerted onto the spindle in at least one state of the threaded drive by the torsion bar, with the spindle drive having a sensor unit which is made such that it detects a relative movement between the spindle and the torsion bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
    Inventor: Frederick Bassett
  • Publication number: 20100072842
    Abstract: Electromechanical actuators (EMAs) are provided that include an output disposed at a location that is axially central between two EM devices. The EMAs include either one or two motors and an output mechanism. The motors are adapted to be energized and are operable, upon being energized, to either generate torques about a first axis or drive forces along a first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Johnson, Casey Hanlon, Kellan Geck
  • Patent number: 7584678
    Abstract: An inexpensive and high efficiency power transmission method and device with a simple structure for converting a rotational motion into a linear motion in accordance with a load is provided. A feed screw (21) and a female screw (22) having a larger diameter than the feed screw are engaged in an eccentric manner. A counterforce from a work is detected by a helical spring (28). Then, rotation restraint of the female screw (22) engaged in an eccentric manner is released, and the female screw (22) is rotated. The feed screw (21) and the female screw (22) rotate in a differential manner so that traveling speed is decreased and that pressing force is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Scientific Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshio Murao
  • Patent number: 7473057
    Abstract: Cutting apparatus having a ram axis gear tube (32) equipped with internal threads engageable with external threads (48) of a main shaft (42). A tool can be fixed to the main shaft (42). The external threads (48) of the main shaft (42) are formed on external splines (44). A main shaft rotation gear (46) has internal splines (41) mating with the external splines (44) of the main shaft (42). Rotation of the ram axis gear tube (32) thus causes the main shaft (42) to move axially via the internal and external threads. Rotation of the main shaft rotation gear (46) causes rotation of the main shaft (42). The tool fixed to the main shaft (42) can thus undergo axial and rotational movements. A motor (74) can be coupled to the main shaft (42) and a motor shaft (63) extended through the ram axis gear tube (32) and the main shaft (42). The motor shaft (63) can drive a linear gear (68) of a cross slide assembly (24) and thus radially move a tool fixed to the cross slide assembly (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas W. Bowman
  • Publication number: 20080236313
    Abstract: An actuator device (1) comprising an actuator housing (2), a driving motor (4) attached to the actuator housing (2), which driving motor (4) is provided with a motor spindle (28), the motor spindle (28) being displaceably engaged with an actuator spindle (6) via a nut (38), and where an auxiliary frame (8) which can be displaced relative to the actuator spindle (6) and biased by use of the driving motor (4), and which can be releasably coupled to the actuator housing (2), is arranged to displace the actuator spindle (6) independently of the motor (4), and where the nut (38) is releasable coupled to the actuator spindle (6), thereby being arranged to bias the auxiliary frame (8) while disengaged from the actuator spindle (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Lars Gunnar Hodnefjell, Stale Hope
  • Patent number: 7406890
    Abstract: There is provided a steering control device for a vehicle of a new structure utilizing a ball screw mechanism for compacting the structure. The steering control device for a vehicle includes a first input shaft 1 connected to a handle, a second input shaft 2 connected to a motor 8, an output shaft 3 connected to a steering wheel, a first transmission 6 for rotating a nut 5 in accordance with the rotational motion of the first input shaft 1 so as to transmit the rotational motion of the first input shaft 1 to the rotational motion of the output shaft 3, and a second transmission 7 for moving the nut 5 linearly in the axial direction with respect to the output shaft 3 in accordance with the rotational motion of the second input shaft 2 so as to transmit the rotational motion of the second input shaft 2 to the rotational motion of the output shaft 3. The center line of the second input shaft and the center line of the output shaft are aligned on substantially the same straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Suda, Takao Nojiri, Naoki Hikosaka, Hidekazu Michioka, Masashi Konomoto, Hiroshi Kaneshige, Masayuki Imamura, Katsuya Iida, Takeomi Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7404468
    Abstract: An elevator includes an elevator car guided to move up and down relative to a supporting member, a screw shaft having an upper end attached to the supporting member, a driving nut rotatably supported in a coupling device and threaded with the screw shaft, one driving device coupled to rotate the screw shaft and to move the driving nut up and down along the screw shaft, and a coupling device rotatably attached onto the driving nut and coupled to the elevator car. Another spare driving device may further be coupled to drive the screw shaft for moving the elevator car to a lower level or a safe location when the driving device either fails or is damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hiwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Chang Hsin Kuo
  • Patent number: 7010993
    Abstract: A universal power operator for shifting a movable barrier, such as a gate, and a circuit control system for operation thereof, is shown that allows the operator to be assembled for both a left-hinged or right-hinged movable barrier. The universal power operator includes generally an actuator arm, a housing assembly, a gear assembly, and a modular drive motor. The housing assembly contains generally symmetrical portions allowing the user to interchangeably assemble the motor in one of two positions for use with a left-hinged or right-hinged movable barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Schuda, Celestino Casali
  • Patent number: 7007566
    Abstract: An actuator for an automated transmission in a motor vehicle drive train has a central actuating shaft with a shift finger. Two sleeves are supported concentrically on the actuating shaft and can be driven in mutually independent rotation. Two grooves of opposite helical pitch are arranged on the actuating shaft, and each of the sleeves has at least one inward-directed guide pin engaging one of the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Viggo L. Norum
  • Patent number: 6531798
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a linear/rotary motor, including: first and second stator structures, having magnetically coupled thereto, respectively, first and second rotors; a first, externally threaded shaft fixedly attached to the first rotor and extending axially therefrom, such that rotation of the first rotor causes rotation of the first, externally threaded shaft; a second shaft, having a splined external surface, extending through a complementarily shaped opening defined through the second rotor, and axially movable with respect thereto, such that rotation of the second rotor causes rotation of the second shaft; and the second shaft including threaded apparatus cooperatively engaging the first, externally threaded shaft, such that rotation of the first, threaded shaft can cause linear motion of the second, cylindrical shaft. The motor can be operated to provide rotary, linear, or simultaneous rotary and linear motion of the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Tri-Tech, Inc
    Inventor: Albert Palmero
  • Patent number: 6446660
    Abstract: A multiple mode valve assembly including valve actuators equipped with a combination of a shaft (4) and a spindle (5), coaxial and immobilized in an axial direction, but capable of rotating freely one with respect to the other, so that by means of the spindle (5), through a threaded nut assembly (6) and the pertinent motor (9), the longitudinal displacement of the gate (3) is produced in valve opening and shutting operations, whilst by means of direct application of a rotary movement to the shaft (4), which does not affect the spindle (5), from a second motor (23), the gate (3) turns on the valve seat (2), in the shut position, producing a friction effect and consequent self-cleaning of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Ampo, S. Coop.
    Inventor: Juan Jose Goni Usabiaga
  • Patent number: 6415679
    Abstract: A carriage adapted for carrying a laboratory instrument such as a pipette, electrode, or syringe is driven by a drive shaft in the form of a lead screw. The lead screw is selectively driven by a high speed drive wheel or by a low speed drive wheel. The drive wheels are coaxially mounted around the drive shaft and concentrically and coaxially arranged with respect to one another. The drive shaft and the two drive wheels all rotate in unison in the same rotary direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Chris D. Chiodo
  • Patent number: 6402444
    Abstract: This invention belongs to the manufacturing fields, specially relates to the structure design of a type of multi-function parallel machine tool driven by sliders and an extensible strut. It includes: two vertical (or one horizontal) guide ways, two active sliders mounted on guide ways, two linear drive units used to move the active sliders, two struts, one movable platform to assemble cutter, one workbench to fix workpiece, one salve slider and one controlled extensible strut. Compared with traditional machine tools, this invention possesses several advantages such as simpler structure, better cutter dexterity, faster cutter feed rate, higher accuracy, and better thermal effect calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Jinsong Wang, Guanghong Duan, Xiaoqiang Tang
  • Patent number: 6352005
    Abstract: A two screw double-stroke and screw differential-motion mechanism is applied in a standard mechanical interface. The two mechanisms are utilized for the correlation of transmission between screws and nuts and the screw differential-motion, so as to achieve more efficient positioning and clamp retrieval and placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Reseach Institute
    Inventors: Wu-Lang Lin, Kuei-Jung Chen, Tzong-Ming Wu, Jiann-Cherng Chen
  • Patent number: 6349606
    Abstract: Apparatus embodying the invention includes first and second motors coupled to a carriage assembly for moving the carriage assembly back and forth between first and second end points. The first motor is for developing a force to drive the carriage in one direction and the second motor is for developing a force to drive the carriage in an opposite, second direction. When the first motor causes the movement of the carriage in one direction, the slowing, stopping and reversal of the carriage is achieved by varying the power supplied to the second motor relative to the power supplied to the first motor until the force exerted by the second motor first equals and then exceeds the force exerted by the second motor. So operated, the carriage motion is well controlled and exhibits little, if any, backlash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan Pawlenko, Timothy James Lawlor, Peter Michael Mueller